Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing unleashed an illegal slide that would have made the 1980s proud.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing reminded baseball fans of a simpler time with a perfectly pitched slider Tuesday night against the Pirates.
Unfortunately, it was only “completely done” from about 1930 to 2016. Today, what Rushing did in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s win at Pittsburgh is considered illegal.
Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers reaches second base in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 28, 2026. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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It’s sad. We were the right country!
Anyway, take a look, and judge for yourself:
This slide was textbook!
First of all, the slide itself would have been textbook in the 1980s. They would show that on overhead projectors in high school halls across the country.
It’s also funny that Dalton Rushing thought this would hold up in a court of law. What was he thinking here? I mean he didn’t even go near that bag itself.
I’d say he’s closer to skating on outdoor grass than skating on an actual base.
Amazing.
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Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jared Triolo throws to first base to complete a double play over Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing during the fifth inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 9, 2026. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
For those wondering, Major League Baseball changed the sliding rules a decade ago after Chase Utley famously attempted to foul Mets shortstop Rubén Tejada during the 2015 NLDS:
From MLB:
Rule 6.01 (j), the so-called “Chase Utley slide rule,” has been specified by Major League Baseball. In this case, the law has been made more effective.
Under new Rule 6.01(j), the runner will be required to make a “bona fide slide,” defined as making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to attempt to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to attempt to stay on the base when the slide is completed (except at home plate) and not changing the intent of the contact with the player.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing reacts in the dugout after hitting two runners on base and the game against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on May 14, 2026. It was his third hit of the game. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
That last one really hurts Rushing’s offense here, considering the real purpose of his slide was to get the shortstop out. Easy to call referees, I’d say. Good cut and dried stuff.
Still, it reminded this MLB fan of simpler times. Some might argue that it was better times. There’s nothing like being able to cover someone to break up a double play, or score a run.
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Was it dangerous? You bet. Did we like it? Definitely.
How can you fall in love with baseball?
